Former mayor resigns from City Commission

Former mayor Chad Giles resigns May 25 from City Commission

Applications accepted until noon June 3 from those interested in vacancy

Commissioner Chad Giles resigned May 25 from the City Commission of Arkansas City in a letter emailed to City Manager Nick Hernandez.

Giles, who just completed his second consecutive term as mayor and has served on the City Commission since 2011, cited his family and job as primary reasons for his decision to step down.

“It has simply come to a time in my service to the public that I feel I need to step down and let someone else fill the position,” Giles wrote.

“I would be lying if I said this last year has not worn on me. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the commission. I will now shift my focus completely to my family and my business, which both have been somewhat neglected since joining the commission.”

Mayor Duane Oestmann said applications for the vacancy will be accepted until noon June 3, when the four remaining commissioners will have a special meeting at City Hall to consider the applicants.

Depending on how that discussion goes, Hernandez said, the commissioners may choose to appoint someone that day, or they may decide to wait until their regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. June 7.

State law and municipal code direct the remaining commissioners to appoint a replacement within 21 days of being notified of the vacancy, or else the decision goes to the voters in a special election.

A majority must agree on the choice, but there are no other considerations regarding the selection.

Giles first was elected in April 2011 to a two-year term, then re-elected in April 2013 to a four-year term that was extended last year by the Kansas Legislature and would not expire until January 2018.

He was part of the commission that hired Hernandez away from Osage City in the summer of 2011.

“I am proud to have been part of the commission that hired our city manager, Nick Hernandez, and am truly thankful for his commitment to this community,” Giles wrote.

“Arkansas City has always had somewhat of a chip on our shoulder when those from the outside come in to key positions like the city manager.

“But for me, Nick always felt like he belonged and was from here all along. Nick's loyalty to this community has never been an issue with me and I always knew that what was best for the town as a whole was always his intention.”

Giles also praised the service of City Attorney Tamara Niles, Police Chief Dan Ward, Fire Chief Bobby Wolfe, Parks and Facilities Director Tony Tapia, and many other members of City staff.

“I am impressed and proud to be a small part of such a great community,” Giles concluded.

Applicants interested in being appointed to the vacant position may submit a letter of interest to the City Commission through either the City Clerk’s Office or the Utility Billing Office at City Hall.

The letter should highlight the candidate’s previous civic involvement, any professional associations or honors, and their reason for interest in the position.

Alternatively, candidates may fill out a volunteer form that can be found here. Applicants should write in “City Commission” as the board to which they are seeking appointment.

Forms can be dropped off in person at City Hall, emailed to lshook@arkansascityks.gov or mailed to: City Clerk, City Hall, 118 W. Central Ave., Arkansas City, KS 67005.